Survey on Local Food and Beneficial Management Practices

Statistics Canada is conducting the Survey on Local Food and Beneficial Management Practices (SLFBMP), in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

Data will be gathered on local food sales, including:
• types of market channels
• food products sold
• challenges and reasons for selling food locally
• certifications acquired
• participation in government programs.

Data will also be collected on two beneficial management practices (BMP): fertilizers containing urease or nitrification inhibitors and rotational grazing, including questions on:
• acres covered by the practice
• year of adoption
• cost
• impact on yield
• reasons for practicing or not practicing each BMP.

This is intended to gather national and provincial level information on farms' local food sales, and BMP participation.

Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Although voluntary, your participation is important so that the information collected is as accurate and complete as possible.

Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19.

By law, Statistics Canada is prohibited from releasing any information it collects that could identify any person, business or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent, or as permitted by the Statistics Act. Statistics Canada will use the information from this survey for statistical purposes only.

To enhance the data from this survey and to reduce the response burden, Statistics Canada may combine the acquired data with information from other surveys or from administrative sources.
Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about record linkage:

Email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca- this link will open in a new window
Telephone: 1-877-949-9492
Mail:
Chief Statistician of Canada
Statistics Canada
Attention of Director, Sébastien Larochelle-Côté, Centre for Special Business Projects (CSBP)
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0T6

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations. Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician, specifying the organizations with which you do not want Statistics Canada to share your data and mailing it to the following address:

Chief Statistician of Canada
Statistics Canada
Attention of Director, Sébastien Larochelle-Côté, Centre for Special Business Projects (CSBP)
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0T6

Reporting instructions

• Report dollar amounts rounded to the nearest dollar.
• Exclude sales tax.
• Percentages should be rounded to whole numbers.
• When precise figures are not available, provide your best estimates.
• Enter "0" if there is no value to report.

Who should complete this questionnaire?

This questionnaire should be completed by the primary farm operator.

How do we protect your information?

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of survey participants. All personal information created, held or collected by the agency is protected in accordance with the Privacy Act.

How long will it take to complete this questionnaire?

On average, this questionnaire should take 30 minutes to complete.

Deadline for completing this questionnaire

Please complete this questionnaire and submit it within 10 days of receipt.

Business or organization and contact information - Question identifier:1.

Verify or provide the business or organization's legal and operating name, and correct information if needed.
Note: Legal name should only be modified to correct a spelling error or typo.
Note: Press the help button (?) for additional information.

Legal name
Operating name (if applicable)

Business or organization and contact information - Question identifier:2.

Verify or provide the contact information for the designated contact person for the business or organization, and correct information if needed.

Note: The designated contact person is the person who should receive this questionnaire. The designated contact person may not always be the one who actually completes the questionnaire.

First name
Last name
Title
Preferred language of communication
Mailing address (number and street)
City
Province, territory or state
Postal code or ZIP code (Format: Letter digit letter space digit letter digit or 5 digits dash 4 digits) Example: A9A 9A9 or 12345-1234
Country
Email address Example: user@example.gov.ca
Telephone number (including area code) (Enter all ten numbers without spaces or special characters) Example: 123-123-1234
Extension number (if applicable)
Fax number (including area code) (Enter all ten numbers without spaces or special characters) Example: 123-123-1234

Business or organization and contact information - Question identifier:3.

Verify or provide the current operational status of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name above.

• : Operational
• : Not currently operational e.g., temporarily or permanently closed, change of ownership
• : Why is this business or organization not currently operational?
  : Seasonal operations
  : Ceased operations
  : Sold operations
  : Amalgamated with other businesses or organizations
  : Temporarily inactive but expected to reopen
  : No longer operating because of other reasons

Business or organization and contact information - Question identifier:4.

Verify or provide the current main activity of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name above.

Note: The described activity was assigned using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

NAICS_Title_E
Description and examples
This is the current main activity
This is not the current main activity

Provide a brief but precise description of this business or organization's main activity e.g., breakfast cereal manufacturing, shoe store, software development

Business or organization and contact information - Question identifier:5.

You indicated that NAICS_Title_E is not the current main activity.
Was this business or organization's main activity ever classified as NAICS_Title_E?

Yes

When did the main activity change?
Date
Example: YYYY-MM-DD

No

Business or organization and contact information - Question identifier:6.

Search and select the industry activity classification that best corresponds to this business or organization's main activity.
How to search:
• if desired, you can filter the search results by first selecting the business or organization's activity sector
• enter keywords or a brief description that best describe the business or organization's main activity
• press the Search button to search the database for an industry activity classification that best matches the keywords or description you provided
• select an industry activity classification from the list.

• : Select this business or organization's activity sector (optional)
  Farming or logging operation
  Construction company or general contractor
  Manufacturer
  Wholesaler
  Retailer
  Provider of passenger or freight transportation
  Provider of investment, savings or insurance products
  Real estate agency, real estate brokerage or leasing company
  Provider of professional, scientific or technical services
  Provider of health care or social services
  Restaurant, bar, hotel, motel or other lodging establishment
  Other sector

This section of the survey is focused on your agricultural operation's local food sales.

For the purposes of this survey, local food is defined as processed or unprocessed food or beverages for human consumption:
• either grown or raised in the province where it is sold, or
• sold across provincial borders within 50 kilometres from where it was grown or raised. For example, a restaurant in Gatineau, Québec purchasing food products from a farm in Ottawa, Ontario qualifies as local food sales.

Local sales of fruit or vegetable plants such as tomato plants or potted herbs should be considered local food for human consumption.

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:1.

In 2022, did your operation sell any food products locally?
Include direct-to-consumer, local independent or chain retailers, local independent or chain restaurants, food trucks, caterers, meal kits, and local institutions.

Exclude sales to local processors, manufacturers, and wholesalers.
Exclude charitable donations, animal feed, and food produced by other farms.

Yes
No

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:2.

Thinking only about your operation's local food sales in 2022, what percentage came from the following local market channels?

Exclude sales to local processors, manufacturers, and wholesalers.
Exclude charitable donations, animal feed, and food produced by other farms.

• a.: Direct-to-consumer
  e.g., online, kiosks, U-pick, farmers' markets, Community Supported Agriculture baskets
  Percentage of local food sales
  %
• b.: Local independent or chain retailers
  e.g., grocery, mass merchandisers, bakeries
  Percentage of local food sales
  %
• c.: Local independent or chain restaurants, food trucks, caterers, or meal kits
  Percentage of local food sales
  %
• d.: Local institutions
  e.g., hospitals, schools
  Percentage of local food sales
  %
• e.: Other
  Specify other market channel
  
  Percentage of local food sales
  %

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:3.

In 2022, approximately what percentage of your operation's total sales came from local market channels?
For local market channels:
Include direct-to-consumer, local independent or chain retailers, local independent or chain restaurants, food trucks, caterers, meal kits, and local institutions.

Exclude sales to local processors, manufacturers, and wholesalers.
Exclude charitable donations, animal feed, and food produced by other farms.
Percentage of total sales
%

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:4.

In 2022, what food products contributed the most to your operation's local food sales?
For food products that contain multiple ingredients, base your selection on the product's main ingredient.

Select up to three types of food products.

• : Unprocessed fruits, vegetables or nuts, including potatoes
• : Processed fruits, vegetables or nuts, excluding beverages
• : Processed or unprocessed field crops e.g., grain products and granola
• : Maple syrup or honey products
• : Dairy products
• : Eggs
• : Meat and poultry products
• : Fish and seafood products
• : Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• : Other
  Specify other food product

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:5.

For your operation, what are the main reasons for selling food locally?
Select up to three reasons.

• : To supplement or provide predictable income e.g., Community Supported Agriculture baskets
• : Provides a higher margin compared to other market channels
• : Main source of income
• : Flexible pricing options or flexibility in quantities for sale
• : Fewer requirements for labelling, branding or packaging
• : Convenience e.g., proximity to markets
• : Reduces food loss i.e., due to less handling and transport, fewer cosmetic standards or processing of food that would otherwise be discarded
• : Social aspect or close contact with customers i.e., to learn about consumer preferences
• : Improve food access to the community
  Exclude donations
• : Other
  Specify other main reason

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:6.

For your operation, what are the main challenges to selling food locally?
Select up to three challenges.

• : Seasonality i.e., unable to provide a consistent supply throughout the year
• : Inability to scale-up or insufficient economies of scale e.g., unable to meet volume requirements from local retailers
• : Lack of resources e.g., labour, building space
• : Regulations, red tape, or legal reasons
• : Insufficient demand in local markets or geographic location
• : Difficulty in meeting preferences from local customers e.g., organic, or origin certification
• : Poor relationships between local businesses
• : Not interested in selling locally
• : Other
  Specify other main challenge
  OR
  Not applicable e.g., Not part of my business model

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:7.

In 2022, to which of the following non-profit or public sector channels did your operation donate or sell local food at or below cost?
Select all that apply.

• : Schools
• : Institutions, excluding schools
• : Religious organizations
• : Charitable food sector e.g., food banks, community organizations
• : Food rescue organizations e.g., gleaning organizations
• : Community events e.g., fundraisers
• : Other
  Specify other non-profit or public sector channel
  OR
  None of the above

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:8.

Which of the following types of certifications or designations did your operation have in 2022?
Answer for all farm sales, including non-local.

Exclude mandatory certifications.

Select all that apply.

• : Food safety certifications e.g., CanadaGAP, Global Food Safety Initiative certification
• : Local, regional or provincial product origin designation e.g., Ontario Made, Buy BC, Aliments du Québec, Product of Canada
• : Sectoral assurance schemes or quality attributes e.g., Canadian Pork Excellence, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Certified Angus
• : Animal care management e.g., cage-free, raised without antibiotics, ractopamine-free, certified humane
• : Organic or non-GMO certification e.g., Canada Organic, Québec vrai
• : Environmental or sustainable labels e.g., Ecocert, B Corporation
• : Ethically sourced e.g., Fairtrade, Food Alliance, Certified Living Wage Employer
• : Dietary certifications e.g., Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free
• : Other designations or verified practices
  Specify other designation or certification
  OR
  None of the above

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:9.

Which of the following types of certifications did your operation obtain because of preferences in local food markets?
Select all that apply.

• : Food safety certifications e.g., CanadaGAP, Global Food Safety Initiative certification
• : Local, regional or provincial product origin designation e.g., Ontario Made, Buy BC, Aliments du Québec, Product of Canada
• : Sectoral assurance schemes or quality attributes e.g., Canadian Pork Excellence, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Certified Angus
• : Animal care management e.g., cage-free, raised without antibiotics, ractopamine-free, certified humane
• : Organic or non-GMO certification e.g., Canada Organic, Québec vrai
• : Environmental or sustainable labels e.g., Ecocert, B Corporation
• : Ethically sourced e.g., Fairtrade, Food Alliance, Certified Living Wage Employer
• : Dietary certifications e.g., Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free
• : Other designations or verified practices
  Specify other designation or certification
  OR
  None of the above

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:10.

Which of the following programs or initiatives did your operation participate in between 2019 and 2022, inclusive?
If your operation has participated in any municipal, provincial, or federal programs that are not listed below, select the appropriate "Other" category, and specify the name of the program.
Select all that apply

• : COVID-19 related programs
• : Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
• : Buy BC Partnership Program, Buy Local Partnership Program, BC Farmers' Market Expansion Program
• : Programs to address food insecurity e.g., Farm to Food Program, Manitoba Community Food Currency Program
• : AgriInnovate Program
• : Agricultural Climate Solutions - On-Farm Climate Action Fund
• : Agricultural Clean Technology Program, any stream
• : Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative
• : Indigenous Pathfinder Service
• : Youth Employment and Skills Program
• : Business risk management programs e.g., AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriInsurance, AgriRecovery, Advance Payments Program
• : Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program
• : Temporary Foreign Workers
• : Other agriculture or agri-food related program
  Specify other agriculture or agri-food related program
• : Other program not related to agriculture or agri-food
  Specify other program not related to agriculture or agri-food
  OR
  None of the above

Part 1: Local food - Question identifier:11.

Which of the following programs provided your operation with new opportunities, skills or resources that helped sell food locally?
Select all that apply.

• : COVID-19 related programs
• : Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
• : Buy BC Partnership Program, Buy Local Partnership Program, BC Farmers' Market Expansion Program
• : Programs to address food insecurity e.g., Farm to Food Program, Manitoba Community Food Currency Program
• : AgriInnovate Program
• : Agricultural Climate Solutions - On-Farm Climate Action Fund
• : Agricultural Clean Technology Program, any stream
• : Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative
• : Indigenous Pathfinder Service
• : Youth Employment and Skills Program
• : Business risk management programs e.g., AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriInsurance, AgriRecovery, Advance Payments Program
• : Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program
• : Temporary Foreign Workers
• : Other agriculture or agri-food related program
  Specify other agriculture or agri-food related program
• : Other program not related to agriculture or agri-food
  Specify other program not related to agriculture or agri-food
  OR
  None of the above

The questions in this section will focus on the beneficial management practice of applying fertilizers containing urease or nitrification inhibitors. Fertilizers containing both urease and nitrification inhibitors includes products such as TRIBUNE, SUPERU, Agrotain, Agrotain Plus, and N-Serve. These products are relatively novel nitrogen management products that can be applied with nitrogen-based fertilizers to improve nutrient use efficiency.

These inhibitors allow time for urea to diffuse into the soil matrix or for plant nitrogen uptake to be initiated. These products have the potential to help keep more nitrogen in the soils without negatively impacting yields, and limit greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen run-off, thus allowing for reduced fertilizer rates and reducing risk of harm to the environment from fertilizer use.

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:12.

In 2022, did your operation apply fertilizers containing urease or nitrification inhibitors?
Select "not applicable" if it would not be possible to use fertilizers containing urease or nitrification inhibitors on your type of farm, such as on a poultry farm.

• : Yes
• : No
• : Not applicable

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:13.

What was the main type of fertilizer containing urease or nitrification inhibitors that was applied by your operation in 2022?
If more than one option applies to your operation, select the most important one based on the volume used on your farm.

• : Pre-blended with nitrification and urease inhibitors
• : Pre-blended with nitrification inhibitor only
• : Pre-blended with urease inhibitor only
• : Both nitrification and urease inhibitors as a separate product e.g., blended with fertilizer on-farm
• : Nitrification inhibitor as a separate product e.g., blended with fertilizer on-farm
• : Urease inhibitor as a separate product e.g., blended with fertilizer on-farm

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:14.

To how many acres or hectares of seeded cropland did your operation apply urease or nitrification inhibitors in 2022?
First select your preferred measurement unit for this question.

• : Acres
  Number of acres of seeded cropland
• : Hectares
  Number of hectares of seeded cropland

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:15.

In what year did your operation first use urease or nitrification inhibitors?
Year

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:16.

In 2022, approximately how much did it cost your operation to purchase and apply urease or nitrification inhibitors?
Include the cost of labour to apply urease or nitrification inhibitors and the cost of the product itself.

Exclude the cost to purchase or rent farm machinery or equipment.
Total cost in CAN$
$ .00

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:17.

Did your operation purchase or rent any farm machinery or equipment exclusively for the purpose of applying urease or nitrification inhibitors?
Yes
No

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:18.

How much did it cost your operation to purchase or rent farm machinery or equipment exclusively for the purpose of applying urease or nitrification inhibitors?

• a.: Rental cost
  Total cost in CAN$
  $ .00
• b.: Purchase cost
  Total cost in CAN$
  $ .00

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:19.

How did using urease or nitrification inhibitors change your operation's yield in tonnes per acre compared to your operation's average yield before using this product?

• : Increase
  Estimate the percentage increase
  %
• : Decrease
  Estimate the percentage decrease
  %
• : No change

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:20.

What were your operation's main reasons for applying urease or nitrification inhibitors in 2022?
Select up to three reasons.

• : To meet an on-farm conservation need
• : Anticipated off-farm environmental benefits
• : Knowing other operations that have used urease or nitrification inhibitors successfully
• : Recommendation by a trusted advisor to use urease or nitrification inhibitors
• : Confidence that urease or nitrification inhibitors could be used successfully by my operation
• : Anticipated financial benefits greater than costs
• : Anticipated saving time or effort
• : My operation received technical assistance
• : My operation received financial assistance
• : To meet consumer preferences
• : Other
  Specify other main reason

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:21.

What were the main reasons that your operation did not apply urease or nitrification inhibitors in 2022?
Select up to three reasons.

• : Lack of sufficient information about this practice
• : Did not meet the conservation needs of my operation
• : Anticipated costs greater than financial benefits
• : Time or effort required
• : Financial assistance ended
• : The financial assistance my operation received did not cover enough of the costs
• : Technical assistance ended
• : Other
  Specify other main reason

The questions in this section will focus on the beneficial management practice of rotational grazing. Rotational grazing consists of moving grazing animals between fields or paddocks to manage grazing and rest periods; often in the form of high-intensity, short-duration grazing, mimicking the actions of herds of natural grazers such as bison. It results in plants building deep root systems and sequestering more carbon in soils when compared to less intensive, longer-duration grazing systems.

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:22.

Did your operation practice rotational grazing on pasture land in 2022?
Select "not applicable" if it would not be possible to practice rotational grazing on your type of farm, such as on a poultry farm.

Exclude rotational grazing that is practiced on farmland that your operation rents out to another farm.

• : Yes
• : No
• : Not applicable

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:23.

In what year did your operation first practice rotational grazing?
Year

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:24.

On how many acres or hectares of pasture land did your operation practice rotational grazing in 2022?
First select your preferred measurement unit for this question.

• : Acres
  Number of acres of pasture land
• : Hectares
  Number of hectares of pasture land

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:25.

In 2022, how much did it cost your operation to practice rotational grazing on pasture land?
Include the cost of labour and repairs.

Exclude upfront costs such as new fencing, water systems and animal lane construction.
Total cost in CAN$
$ .00

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:26.

What was your operation's total upfront investment cost for implementing rotational grazing on pasture land?
Examples of upfront costs include new fencing, water systems and animal lane construction.
Total cost in CAN$
$ .00

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:27.

How did implementing rotational grazing change your operation's yield in tonnes of pasture biomass per acre compared to your operation's average yield before implementing this practice?
Examples of biomass include tame or natural grass, and hay.

Increase
Estimate the percentage increase
%

Decrease
Estimate the percentage decrease
%

No change

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:28.

What were your operation's main reasons for practicing rotational grazing in 2022?
Select up to three reasons

• : To meet an on-farm conservation need
• : Anticipated off-farm environmental benefits
• : Knowing other operations that have practiced rotational grazing successfully
• : Recommendation by a trusted advisor to practice rotational grazing
• : Confidence that rotational grazing could be practiced successfully by my operation
• : Anticipated financial benefits greater than costs
• : Anticipated saving time or effort
• : My operation received technical assistance
• : My operation received financial assistance
• : To meet consumer preferences
• : Other
  Specify other main reason

Part 2: Beneficial management practices - Question identifier:29.

What were the main reasons that your operation did not practice rotational grazing in 2022?
Select up to three reasons.

• : Lack of sufficient information about this practice
• : Did not meet the conservation needs of my operation
• : Anticipated costs greater than financial benefits
• : Time or effort required
• : Financial assistance ended
• : The financial assistance my operation received did not cover enough of the costs
• : Lack of financial resources to cover upfront investment costs
• : Technical assistance ended
• : My operation did not own the land
• : Other
  Specify other main reason

Contact person - Question identifier:30.

Statistics Canada may need to contact the person who completed this questionnaire for further information.

Is PrimaryRespondentGivenNa PrimaryRespondentFamilyName the best person to contact?
Yes
No
Who is the best person to contact about this questionnaire?
First name
Last name
Title
Email address Example: user@example.gov.ca
Telephone number (including area code) (Enter all ten numbers without spaces or special characters) Example: 123-123-1234
Extension number (if applicable)
Fax number (including area code) (Enter all ten numbers without spaces or special characters) Example: 123-123-1234

Contact person - Question identifier:31.

How long did it take to complete this questionnaire?
Include the time spent gathering the necessary information.
Hours
Minutes

Contact person - Question identifier:32.

Do you have any comments about this questionnaire?
Enter your comments
200 characters available